By Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – While most Filipinos think that it is impossible to grow grapes in the Philippines because of its warm weather, an expert in viticulture stressed that the country is a better place for the fruit than the United States and Europe -- two places where most of the world’s wines are produced.

Unknown to many, the Philippines has been home to several vineyards, said Avelino Lomboy, who has been growing grapes in the country for more than four decades.

He said some of these are located in La Union, Cebu, Cotabato, Iloilo, Masbate and Nueva Ecija.

“In the Philippines, we have the best climate for grapes, which is 25 to 34 degrees Centigrade,” Lomboy explained. “And the temperatures the whole year round stay that way until winter. In Europe, you only grow [grapes] once a year. Here, you can grow [grapes] the whole year.”

“Grapes grow based on summer, so we have the whole year. Heat is not a problem,” he added, referring to the misconception that grapes need cold weather to grow.

The Bauang Tourism Council invites you again on its 2nd Food Festival on April 26, 2013. Ten BTC member establishments will offer an array of their specialty dishes from Chinese, Western, Asian, local or a fusion of these. Open food court will start at 5 PM until 12 MN with local band Bauang Baggak and Don Eulogio de Guzman’s Memorial National High School’s Folkloriko providing entertainment. This will showcase the local talents of Bauang as part of its theme “Panangyaman 2013: Festival of Arts and Culture”.

A Children’s Fun Show will surely be enjoyed by the young with free cute balloons and face painting and jolly clowns providing entertainment as part of the Food Fest.

“We are bringing together members of BTC in this event to showcase each of our specialties,” Ms. Cristy Besanko of Bali Hai Beach Resort and Food Fest Committee Chair said. “Bauang is not only a summer destination because of its beach activities but of delectable and dainty food and great entertainment.”